Cowley, Duane L.

Duane L. Cowley, age 85, of Mazomanie, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Beehive Homes, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 13, 1939, in Richland Center, the son of Leslie and Irene (Ziebarth) Cowley. He was united in marriage to Joan Harris on July 31, 2003.

Duane was proud to be a mason contractor, owning and operating Cowley Masonry for 50+ years. In addition, Duane and his family also owned and operated Valley View Stone Company. Duane was proud to pass along the trade of masonry to many generations after him.

He was a member of the Contractor’s Association during his working years. Duane valued his mission work in Guatemala where he helped to build a school for girls. Family was most important to Duane, and he loved spending time with them. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite destination to fish was at his beloved cabin on Lac des Mille Lacs in Ontario, Canada.

Duane is survived by his wife, Joanie; children, Tony Cowley, Linda O'Connell, Lisa (Oscar) Wendt, Diane Voss and Andy Cowley; step-children, Troy (Jeni) Smith and Kelly Smith; siblings, Jeannie (Glenn) Lewis, Doug (Pat) Cowley and Dennis (Sandra) Cowley; half-brother, Kenneth (Concetta) Cowley; eight grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Irene Cowley; half-sisters, Edith and Elizabeth Cowley; nephew, Leslie Cowley; and step-son, Todd Smith.

A funeral service will be held at CURTISS STREET BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, 10416 Curtiss Road, Mazomanie, at 12 noon on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Burial will take place at Arena Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Duane was known as one of the kindest, most selfless people anyone could meet, always the first to lend a helping hand. His spirit will be missed deeply, and legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Duane's honor to Northwest Dane Senior Services or the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

“He’s gone fishing in the waters of heaven.”

Gunderson Camacho 

Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077